2007 Jaguar XKR Silverstone

Exclusivity, performance, style, and craftsmanship are all Jaguar hallmarks. Happily, each is unquestionably intact in the '01 XKR Silverstone. It represents the next step beyond the "standard-issue," 370-hp XKR, adopting the XK 180 showcar's suspension, wheel, and brake components to raise the XKR's already outstanding abilities to an even higher level. It's breathtaking to look at and represents the most impressive, agile, and (ties for the) quickest production Jaguar we've ever driven.

A combined total of only 250 coupes and convertibles are headed our way-each commanding a lofty $96,905 base price and unusual in that, most times, ragtops cost more. By the time you read this, a full 90 percent of the entire U.S. allotment will be presold-thus the term "exclusive" takes on new meaning. Discounting past gray market, streetable race cars like the XJ220 and XJR-15, the Silverstone is the most expensive, most exclusive production Jaguar ever sold in the United States. And this is the way Jaguar wants it.

Simply consider its world-class acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.0 sec and the quarter mile in 13.5 sec at over 106 mph. These are numbers we gathered from the identically powered 2000-model XKR we tested in our May 2000 issue-ripping, indeed. But that's where the similarities end between last year's XKR and this year's Silverstone.

The list of changes to the entire '01 XK line chiefly includes a revised front bumper with flusher-fitting foglamps, a deeper rear bumper, chrome trunklid trim, revised taillamps, and a ground-breaking Adaptive Restraint Technology System that tailors the car's seatbelt and airbag deployment based on seating position and crash severity.

The subtly badged and platinum silver-painted Silverstone further differentiates itself with unique sport leather seating, a 320-watt Alpine Audiophile sound setup, as well as Jaguar's navigation system-all standard. The Computer Active Technology System (CATS) is a suspension package now built into all XKRs, and utilizes dual-stage shock damping to invisibly maximize handling, comfort, and driver control. Additionally, a stability enhancement (anti-spin) system and model-exclusive Performance Handling Pack are fitted, wherein ride height is lowered 10 mm. CATS is also specially calibrated for taut handling, with spring rates increased and anti-roll bars modified. Rounding out the suspension enhancements is Jaguar's first-ever application of 20-in. modular BBS wheels and matching Pirelli P Zero tires. Combined, the modifications make the XKR Silverstone downright unshakable, possessing such high-limit handling that it needs to be driven very hard on a racetrack to ascertain its ultimate abilities.

Hiding in plain sight behind those beautiful alloy wheels (20x9.0-in. fronts/20x10.0-in. rears) are equally gargantuan brakes specifically co-developed for the Silverstone with famous brake manufacturer Brembo. Disc diameters measure 14 in. front and 13 in. rear, and all four rotors are vented. The four-piston aluminum calipers and ABS system are good for a full 1.0 g of stopping force, according to Jaguar.

On the "big track" at Willow Springs, the XKR Silverstone is able to stretch its long legs and willingly assaults its 155-mph speed limiter. Stand on the gas, and the supercharged 4.0L/370-hp V-8 ladles generous power on top of power, feeling as if there's no limit to its acceleration-that's no surprise. What is unexpected is the absolute grip this car attains. We were told factory Jaguar drivers have recorded a transient (though not static) g-load spike of 1.2 g, and we believe them. The suspension compliance is firm, as expected, although it isn't necessarily harsh.